MALAVA, Kenya – The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has intensified calls for the Deputy President’s position in the broad-based government, with senior party leaders declaring that the slot should be reserved for the party as part of its political cooperation with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Speaking during a political rally in Malava, Kakamega County, on Sunday, ODM leaders unanimously endorsed Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya as their preferred candidate for Deputy President in the 2027 General Election.
The leaders argued that the political partnership between ODM and UDA should translate into an equal share of government leadership, with UDA retaining the presidency while ODM takes the deputy presidency.
ODM Acting Secretary General Catherine Omanyo led the calls, saying the party’s continued support for President Ruto’s re-election campaign will depend on negotiations that guarantee ODM the Deputy President’s position.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed said the arrangement was straightforward.
“UDA should produce the president while ODM will produce the Deputy President, and we will present Wycliffe Oparanya,” Junet told supporters in Malava.
Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka Miradi echoed the position, saying ODM had already settled on President Ruto as its preferred presidential candidate in 2027 under the broad-based arrangement but insisted that the deputy presidency must go to the Orange party.
He described Oparanya as the most suitable candidate, citing his political experience and influence across Western Kenya.
The leaders maintained that Oparanya’s long-standing political ties with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his popularity in the Western region would strengthen President Ruto’s bid for a second term.
Kindiki Insists He Will Remain Ruto’s Running Mate
ODM’s renewed push comes just a day after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki dismissed speculation over his political future, insisting he will remain President Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 elections.
While addressing residents in Meru on Saturday, Kindiki said his position was secure and ruled out the possibility of being replaced.
Using a metaphor to rally support from the Mount Kenya region, Kindiki said there was no reason for those who had helped build and furnish a house to abandon it for the forest, adding that he was in government to stay.
His remarks came amid growing political debate over who will partner with President Ruto on the 2027 presidential ticket.